Chapbook of a Wizard

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

Well... Bu found me and we talked a while. I found a piece of Zhantar wood and gave it to him. He was surprised and gave me a gift of sorts. He took me to a very special place, showed me around a bit. Amazing thing is it has labs I would need to enchant items! He has not problems me using them if he did not.

But told me a little of his history and of his elvin mate. He is everything I had thought, very patient and insightful. I am very surprise more people do not stop and listen to him...

I told him of the Dragon the Pies and Pennies promised to introduce to me. Bu was almost beside himself in want to also meet the Dragon. I said I would ask and if needed give up my spot for him.

Lesharial and I have worked out our spat, so to speak. I found the other elvin glade to the north and she was been beside herself running between the tree top houses. She has made me make a promise to her, stop patrolling by myself and limit my exploring. So be it.

I have picked up the Lute some. I always wanted to play and now I am making the time for it. So far people have enjoyed my playing, well a certain young pirate didn't but you cant please everyone.

[Galadorn]

((where is Samuel? ))

[talonbreak]

((I am about. RL has been hijacking me lately. Let me know when folks are about and I can make some time.))

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

My wife and I have returned from Chult. I could tell she needed to introduce me to her Father, it is true the rumors I have heard... Dragon Lizards do walk Toril for certain, it was a shame I could not go to the fabled city of Mezro. I count myself lucky I was allowed in and invited to stay. Magic is feared to say the least. I do not know why my Father first journeyed there.

It was nice at least to think a while. Dieing had gotten me all out of sorts. I must say spending so much time with Wild Elves has changed me a bit. I still respect the law but I see little need to enforce my beliefs upon others, except those that are evil of course. My wife decided to stay home for a while, she will join me soon. Well soon to an elf anyways.

I first visited the Isles. Of course Zyrus and Drake were still at it, greed makes wonderful allies... Zyrus did return my armor, he has a strange sort of honor that one. At least he is not as bitter as when I left. Regardless I am glad he is a friend and hope I can rub off on him more. I remember the debt I owe Her Royal Majesty but no one was available at the Castle. Maybe one day they will remember and call upon me, else I remember.

I decided to revisit the Heartlands, I hope Delia is still alive. To my surprise the Castle had been retaken and some order put back to the lands. Well I say that and as soon as I walked toward the bridge I was a vast horde of undead marching upon it! I rush forward and gave early warning... I have never seen so many foes... Over a thousand at least. I gathered with some local adventures and the guard and we fought a retreating battle back to their fort. Eventually we had to barricade ourselves inside. The Banite Priests sent Wraiths inside... I am not sure how the door held but a small army of Tyrains attacked the horde and gave us escape. We exited and joined the chase. Oh I do mention this young necromancer that captured a Wraith, he seamed to think it was nothing to command such a thing... I assume he has never been drained to feed their hunger...

I stood on another ten day or so to help mop up the undead and was surprised to find the groups impromptu leader followed the Red Knight. We spoke a bit and I discovered he is very bitter. He has valid points about keeping shield wall and such but how is anyone to know he is calling the shots so to say? Either way I have lost honor in his eyes. I hope he realizes honey is better than pepper when it comes to a voluntary force. I spoke with some of the group alone and discovered they respect him some, for now anyway. I hope my Brother at Arms lowers himself to his men's level soon and learns how to motive them. Else I see things falling apart.

I went forward to the Gate once things calmed and got my gear sorted, Zyrus dyed my armor red of course... I also need to attend my studies that have been quite lacking. Soon enough.

S

[talonbreak]

*Written in Halruaa*

Exciting things are happening, I was received into the Citadel! I was evaluated and accepted into the college too, I should start training this next ten day. Only took a few days of waiting in the rain.

The war in the Heartlands is going poorly; Cyric and Bane both are having it out on the High Moor. I would say they each have over 150 men and most of those veterans, lead by powerful men. There is a small force of Tyrans and Tormites opposing both groups. I was finally about to make contact with the Tyrans and we even engaged several units of our foes and destroyed them. There is this one flying mage that kept harassing us. I will have some dispel magics ready for him next time.

I was able to acquire the body of a Lt in the Zhentarim forces, I stuffed it into my bag of holding and turned it over to the Citadel. I am quite certain they will be able to speak with dead and learn much. We desperately need information on why these two forces have chosen the heartlands to fight over.

I wrote Lesharial a letter, I miss her. Speaking of women, I met a few that, well, try to be men and even marry other women! I find this incredibly disturbing...

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

Its hard to write about moments like these... I finally have found a start on the path I wish to walk.

My efforts to join the Citadel have paid off more than I could have imagined. I met with Lord Sir Dominus and gave him my reports about local goings on, even got to deliver a body we recovered of a zhent leader from the heartlands. In private his demeanor was completely different, very casual and friendly. I will make sure to keep a close eye on my behavior as publicly things are very formal. Then his Lord Knight surprised me by making me his squire... I immediately excepted of course, I was reminded of Dame Knight Kross and her squireship. I discovered the Lord Knight enjoys hunting undead in the local region. Unique hobby but one I will emulate. Almost all undead are foul things that need to be wiped off of Toril.

Next I was admitted into the college, seams they have several branches: war, scouting and spellcasting. I met my Master Gaeldrim of the house of Dwindarre. He said not to be so formal and call him Magus, as he wills. We discussed my past and my goals. He was intrigued about my desire to become a Mystic Theurge. He confirmed my commitment and then said he could help. He offered a book and when I read it...

Well the book spoke upon the law of divinity and how Toril was unique in the cosmos. As I know it divine magic is a flowing of power from a god to a follower. It takes faith and commitment to expand it. In Toril Mystra controls arcane magic as well as divine magic to here followers. The book suggested all paths to power are doorways one can open their mind to receive. Then it hit me, Mystra controls both arcane and divine but we wizards channel it differently! I remembered that time on the docks of the Gate, when I touched the divine through my arcane methods. That as like holding a flame, I could do it but not as a practice... Now I saw both! How it could be achieved!

I quietly opened my mind to both sources and pooled them into one. With this new mindset I found I could contain them both! I did it!

Well now that I ponder this after the fact I realize of course I have open opened the door and it will take years to master this. All things start as they do, small steps.

I left very elated and ready to take on the world. I was given bunks and a place to study. Then I set out, I figured I could go to Tempus Tears and hunt undead like my Knight. Sadly I found two fallen adventures surrounded by Wraiths... I drove the Wraiths off and recovered them and their effects. I gave them a swallow grave, which I blessed and gathered their things. When I have time, I will ask on who they may be and see if any wish to recover their items.

Such tragedy after such elation...

So I have been given several tasks:

Discover which plane the portal in Firewine Bridge goes too
Begin spreading news on the Citadel need for adventures to complete missions
Study the Red Knights doctrines
Scout recent Cyric attacks near Naskel and in the north

I will head out to the Heartlands to deliver supplies and gather more information.

S

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I must say the path I have picked is not as difficult to walk as I first thought. Like most things it is time and persistence. I do realize I have a long way to go but I am heading toward the light I first saw long ago.

I took a moment and went to Silverymoon, I had hoped to find the Commander and left correspondence for her but she was out in the field. I did go to the College and for the life of me still can not figure out some of the tests. I will have to hunt down Robert and see if he has progressed.

Well back to the Gate and the war.

S

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

A lot has happened.

I found the body of two adventures at Tempus Tears. Seams one of them was a Paladin of Torm from Tether. I also found out that Dawn, Teressa and the High Priest of Raqul are lesbians... Well Dawn I think likes men too... This is.. Unnatural.

I got caught in an argument about looting the dead and sensed the strategic alliance between Raqul and the Citadel was at stake. I gave up everything of the Paladin for burial. What really bothered me was that Lady Raqul claimed to be a friend to this Paladin. Not a week ago when we sat outside the Citadel gated Dawn went on and on about how she was in love with this Paladin and Lady Raqul and her lover... Hard to think of such a thing. Well they both said they didn't know her but hoped to incite her into their way of thinking! Such aberrant behavior is... Then this next week all of a sudden they all knew her well and she was a close friend. LIES!

I need to calm down.

I will of course do my duty but want to distance myself from those Selunite women. Funny, I know know how some elves feel about my marriage to Lesharial... I stopped off in the Isles and saw her. She is as wonderful as ever and we spend some time reconnecting.

I then go to Silverymoon to find the good Commander, I hope to purchase a Mithral Shield from the Dwarves of the Citadel. It has been almost a year since I met with them and they said they would discuss it. I hope a year has been long enough for their debate. I also wanted to try and solve those classes in the Lady's College, my reputation as a Halruaan is on the line.

I went to class and finally, finally solved divination. Now I just have conjuration, evocation and illusion. Thou I did get that rod from the fay and have to find my instructor to finish the standard illusion class.

Of course then more bad news. I discovered a flier that said Aliyah is a wanted for murder?!? I... Also discovered Aliyah is also a women lover... I immediate left a note for the Constable that I have seen her in the Isles. Then I was out patrolling and found another dead adventure. I think he was a Selunite named Trask? He had one of their shields and his short sword was inscribed with I think his name. I found some keys on him too. One looks like a warehouse or office. Another an apartment? I will check the various capitols to see if I can find it. Regardless I took him for a decent burial and left word with the priest at the Keep about all this.

I then went to the Isles and met up with Zyrus and Lord Drake. I gave Zyrus a letter about Aliyah and happened to take the same ship to the Gate with Lord Drake. I of course informed Lord Drake about her, as she is apart of her crew. Lord Drake mentioned the Knights of Silver are corrupt and you cant trust their word. Rather cheeky coming from him a fell sworn. At least Lady Teresa filled me in on his character... It is hard to try and be his friend or even possible get him to one day renounce his pact and save his soul. But this is my goal and of Zyrus too.

I need to get back to the war... Focus my mind on what is and not what others opinions are. I will of course tell people in the Gate about Aliyah, I cant condone a murder on the loose. Good Dame Knight Kross should be informed in the least.

S

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I was thinking about that dead adventurer... I am going to try and raise him. I do not like or agree with Lady Raqul but I agree with her points. The courtesy of finding out if someone would come back is worth the coin, maybe soon I can cast the spell myself. I shall return to Silvery as soon as I can.

I sent a letter to Knight Kross about Aliyah, that too would be something needed to resolved face to face with the Constable of Silverymoon.

Oh I did find the apartment, took a lot of searching. The Isles had a set of rooms, Rivermoot has apartments for sale and lastly the Gate has the three story mansion with rooms. Guess all that is moot if that lad wants to return. Need to find a diamond of course.

S

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I died again... This time the shock was not as bad but I feel so FOOLISH! I am so embarrassed... I was the drow priestess starting to cast magics and knew she was going to start casting death spells upon us... I closed with her and got her attention fast. All I remember is her evil grin and her touch... I now have a black scorched hand mark upon my side. A grim reminder...

I am in more debt. Rani & her Royal Majesty still and now the church of Kelemvor and Tha'is.

I am beginning to feel very unattached to this world. The feelings for my wife are still strong. She was the first thing I thought of when I was raised... I immediately went and saw her after wards. She was rather upset with me... Understandably.

The Isles have been crazy... The giants and Fir bogs of the fens have come out in numbers I have never seen before. The Lord was stomped into the ground before any of us could do anything. He was lucky we staved them off and Tha'is came to his rescue. Amazing what an invisible healer can accomplish. I am not sure how the fens are going to be resolved. That much power is above myself and those that I know.

The Lord acquired a Gentle Repose spell for me. I cast it upon the Drow he has in his basement and then questioned them with Speak with Dead. A bit morbid I say but necessary to find out information. At least the repose spell stops the decay, I was feeling a bit like a necromancer for a while.

I took a few people to Bu's isle. One of them stood out. Had I know what she was to Bu, I would never invited her. I just wanted to bring a little beauty into everyone's dreary day. In the end I got to know her a bit more and perhaps give her some resolution.

I discussed moving to the Sword Coast with my wife. I am thinking Beregost. The Gate is a bit to...
And there is no way I would live in Naskell. I need to be closer to the war. That is my focus for now. My classes in the Citadel are going well. I requisitioned some gear to accommodate my new fighting style. I am missing my platemail but understand the strategies being taught to me. I am glad they are so accommodating and I hope I am pleasing my the Knight Justicar with my lesson performance.

Oh I finally got a chance to face down some Trolls, I gathered some of their blood even. Oh and we faught a baskalisk... To be turned to stone... that is crazy. I was able to skin its hide and have stretched it. Maybe I can gift it to someone for a suit of armor.

S

Out of Game: The trolls blood was acquired in DM Adanu's session. The Baskalisk hide was acquired in DM StephanUmf session.

[FoamBats4All]

Out of Game: The trolls blood was acquired in DM Adanu's session. The Baskalisk hide was acquired in DM Cloud's session.

(( Side note: Basilisk was StephanUmf. ))

[talonbreak]

*Written in Halruaan*

I tried to find my friend to let him know about my fo pa, I went to his island and found her there... I about dropped dead but in the end it worked out. They are both talking again and maybe past hurts are healing.

There has been a deadly set of raids about. The north fens are closed due to giants... Koart isn't the only Cantrev getting extorted either. An orc army assembled at Moray. Then Portswain had a lizardman army... Then Wynngate... A band of pirates burned it down to the ground. Only three survives... One of them a man who had his... well they cut it off.

I found my friend again and we discussed this tragedy. He immediate went there and looked upon it with his own eyes. He was gracious enough to regenerate the mans.. part. I can not wait to meet those that did this in battle and end their lives.

There will be no mercy. ((this part is written with deep imprint))

I wish to ask the Crown for help. Remind them I have a debt to Her Royal Majesty and would be happy to serve her. The rumors I hear from the hearlands is the war is still stalled out. Perhaps it is becoming more of an occupation. The chosen of Bane has not made any open mores of yet. We will see what is to come.

For now I wait in the isles and spend time with my wife. Oh I did manage to embarrass myself with a certain elf blade singer. I was asking about shape change and having children... I do not wish my seed to be marred by being half of both races. I asked if the spell alter self would be sufficient... He was very curt with me... I umm... I was really trying to discover this to honor my wife.. and his people. I have felt quite a bit of pressure and resentment from elves. I must say I am a bit angered... I have discovered elves are far from superior to us lesser races... I will no longer be looking to care about what they think or anyone else for that matter. My wife is of course not included in that.

It seams my love for her and my anger are what is keeping me together right now... Dieing has such... I.. And yes a certain genasi also has gotten my note. I do not understand why people can not see that acquiring wealth at others expense is not good for them... Speaking of all this, I helped someone I am in debt too destroy an artifact.. Yes an artifact of power. The Crown of Lumathiashae is no more. I can only imaging what the sea elves will do once it is discovered gone.

I hope I can continue keeping my wrath in check.

S

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I ran into a wonderful hin sorcerer again. It reminded me of Silverymoon and a poster I found there. Speaking of which I actually went and spoke to some of her crew. The Air Genasi had a lot to say about it all. He said it was all over that two dwarves were flirting with her... I umm.. I have not seen her around so I am going to let this go.. I just felt so betrayed... I have spend time with her, we talked about life for a while at the last greengrass... Then to find out she is a murderer... Enough. If she surfaces I will handle it.

I feel for my hin friend, she recently lost all her memory. She went to a dwarven ruin and drank some water. I found out the ruin is in the heartlands and the water is tied to a portal into the negative energy plane. Fascinating. I am considering using this in the war there. Maybe feed it to captured soldiers to recruit them. I need to check if the water is tainted by evil.

Speaking of the heartlands, I am through with the Dragoons. Working directly with a merchant.. It's frustrating. A church of Cyric is in his town and they do nothing... His caravans are being attacked by that church... He thinks he has it under control. Then this donkey head Uthgardt... We were lured into a trap. A vampire's lair to be specific. With traps all over the place. The donkey head kept rushing us and then I said "go ahead then". He immediately set off an acid trap. He is tough I admit. He then set off a fire trap that took out our mage and almost our group. Then... He did it again... To cap it all off, at the end, he began barking orders at us saying what loot he is taking. He was pretty wounded... If I didn't have morals, he would be dead. As it is I told that donkey I would never travel with him again. Hee Haw...

I have pondered the war and have decided not to abandon it. The horror I have seen in the Moon Shaes recently.. Two Cantrevs completely wiped out... I know the people of the heartlands are stubborn, they would resist the banites... They too would be slaughtered... I... Dont want to see that happen. Especially with such a worth opponent, a chosen of bane has arrived to lead the forces there. I will ask my allies of Tempus in Dragonspear if I can put my tent there. If they agree I will start gathering resources and hiring troops to train. I have some coin about and I will put it to good use. Once I have a force to work with, I will begin making patrols. Maybe I can get someone from the Lord's Alliance in Waterdeep to begin supporting my efforts once I get some success. Letting merchants run a war... well that's crazy. I will go by the citadel and inform them of my decision.

I have really enjoyed seeing my wife everyday. I do not wish to bring her into the heartlands... So when I go... I will have to ration our meetings. I um.. I have to learn how to scry soon is all.

Samuel

[orangetree]

((very good read. ))

[talonbreak]

((thanks! now only if I could spell....))